Lake Louise is a beautiful mountain lake in the middle of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies of Canada. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and at the far end is a large glacier. The lake is quite isolated, but provides a magnificent setting for a luxury resort, the Chateaux Lake Louise. This resort is currently undergoing major expansion, and a large conference wing is being constructed on the 'inland' side of the hotel.

There is a very small town of the same name at the base of the mountain.

Contents

Get in

Many people who stay at the Chateau come as part of a tour package, and arrive by tourist bus. You can of course drive yourself along the Icefields Parkway, which is kept clear of snow 365 days a year so that people can get in to access the skifields. Lake Louise is 184 KM (115 miles) west of Calgary, Alberta and 60 KM (36 miles) West of the town of Banff. The Great Divide denotes the highest ridgeline in the Canadian Rockies and creates a natural border with British Columbia and Yoho National Park 10 KM west of town.

Calgary airport is 2 hours drive away from Lake Louise. If you fly to Calgary during the ski season, there is a regularly scheduled bus which runs daily from December 1st to April 13, stopping at Banff and Lake Louise. Otherwise, Gray Line will run a tourist ski bus provided there are more than ten bookings.

Get around

See

Do

Spring skiing at Lake Louise

As a ski-resort[1] and wilderness area, tourist activity varies according to the season. The primary form of spring and summer recreation in the area is walking around the lake on the lakeside path, hiking on mountain trails leading from the lake, and admiring the scenery. During the summer, canoes can be rented and fishing is a popular activity.

In winter, visitors can iceskate on the lake and enjoy a dogsled ride on the thick ice. The Lake Louise ski resort[2] is only a short drive from the lake, offering ski-enthusiasts with a wide variety of runs for varying skill levels. The ski season runs from November to mid-May.

Buy

Eat

In the town at the base of the mountain, there are two restaurants (one converted from the heritage-listed train station) and a gas station.

Drink

Sleep

The lake is approximately an hour's drive from Banff, where a much wider variety of accommodations are available.

Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive, (403)522-3511, [3], is the only option if you want to stay right at the lake, but be warned - the chateau is luxurious, but extremely expensive. If you have the money, it is worth it for the beautiful surroundings and the clear crisp mountain air.

HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre, Village Road, reservations:(403)670-7580, toll free 1-866-762-4122 hostel:(403)522-2202, [4], is a large hostel in the town. There is a cafe at the hostel. In winter, dorm beds from $27 (non-member $31), private rooms from $78 (non-member $86). In summer, dorms from $34 (non-member $38), private rooms from $99 (non-member $112). Ski packages are available. Sorry No Pets

HI-Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, central reservations:(403)670-7580, toll free1-866-762-4122, [5], is a small hostel about halfway down the road towards Banff, and offers a very laid back atmosphere. The facilities are excellent, with a sizeable kitchen, friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Highly recommended. Reservations are required during the winter months, as closure dates may apply, and recommended during the summer months to ensure a bed. Dorm beds from $23, with a $4 surcharge for non-members, ski packages available. Sorry No Pets

HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel, Hwy 93 North - 29km North of Lake Louise-6km South of Crowfoot Glacier, ☎(403)-670-7580, toll free 1-866-762-4122, [6]. checkin: 6:00pm; checkout: 11:00am. It is a simple, rustic but clean hostel, in the middle of the Rockies at 1816m along the glacier-fed creek, offering a true back-to-nature "off-the-grid" Canadian experience. World-class outdoor pursuits are literally at your doorstep here, with an on-site sauna to soothe weary muscles at the end of the day!" Sorry No PetsWEEKDAY FROM:$23 plus a $4 Non HI-Member surcharge applicable for Non-Members.

Get out

Escape the crowds of tourists at Lake Louise and travel up the Icefields Parkway Highway 93 North - Banff to Jasper Highway,
The it is one the most scenic drives in North America with sites such as
Bow Lake
Bow Glacier
Crowfoot Glacier
Mistaya Canyon
Waterfowl Lake
Parkers Ridge
Wilcox Pass
Columbia Icefields
Athabasca Falls
and eventually Jasper

Along the Icefields Parkway the are numerous opportunities to camp or stay in a rustic wilderness hostel

For the adventurous you can get to Banff from Lake Louise on foot via the Saddleback Trail. An easy to moderately difficult 4-5 day hike complete with empty campsites. The trail is passable from July through to October. Check with the Park Canada Information office in town for up to date trail conditions, the disposition of any local Grizzlies and advice.